The high posted cape design that I am remembering is on page 48 of the book by Steve Chappell: "A Timber Framer's Workshop: Joinery, Design...".

Below is a pic of a similar frame design. Yes, I am not talking about the top plate. The design shows the braces attached to the intermittent wall plates which doesn't make sense to me. Wouldn't it be better/stronger to join the braces to the top plate and move the wall plates down or eliminate them?

If the braces are joined as the pic shows, then shouldn't the intermittent wall plates be pegged? Even though the top plate would do a good job holding the bents together,it seems that if the wall plates are not pegged they could slip out over time (which would weaken the important 45 degree brace)?